Fall Issue Greetings, hope all is well. We have begun our back to school routine of fall Extended Care. We have welcomed new staff and some new children to our program. We have also had time to reflect back on our summer and all the fun we have had. The nicest part of welcoming new families to our program is when the children share their memories of the fun they have had in Extended Care. I would like to share with you about someone which whom I share almost ten years of memories with. This lady was my mentor in helping me and many others begin their career with Extended Care. Mrs. Shuemaker recently celebrated her 15 year anniversary as an employee with City of Manassas Park Parks and Recreation. We took the opportunity to celebrate her in a way that reflects who she is and what she believes in. She was presented a cake with all the children cheering her and congratulating her for her accomplishment. One of the kids commented she has been her longer than he has been living. Her dedication to the Extended Care program and the children and families is as only part of her commitment to our city and community. Mrs. Shuemaker is a long time resident and supporter of our community, and schools in which her son attended. The Schools in which she supported through many aspects and volunteering. She is a pleasure and puts the care and safety of the children high on her priority list. Her love of sports is an added bonus as encouragement to keep the children on the move and active. She is always prepared, well planned out activities from her countless hours of planning.
She has had a lot of memories throughout her career- they stem from new buildings, supervisors, co-workers and children joining our Extended Care program each year. She began her Extended Care career at Independence school which she refers to as Kent Dr.; then to Conner Elementary and even being present the day they lowered the flag on the last day the school was open, then to our first recreational building, Cougar, MPES, a stint and the new MPMS and then finally home to your Manassas Park Community Center which opened three years ago. Recently we have had an employee join our team who’s daughter was in Ms. Shuemaker’s class when she was eight and we have had few of our summer aides (now in college) that was in her class when the were young. Her dedication to the children and the community comes with the help and guidance of a very modest visionary DirectorMs. Catherine who has had her own share of beginnings- the opening of our new facility MPCC, Library partnership, and the new All Access Passport membership has been a great leader and encourager to us all. “I feel honored to be serving our community and growing right along with it.” Ms. Shuemaker - Thank you Ms. Shuemaker for all you do.
Sincerely,
Sue Jurjevic
Tips for Active Kids playing Sports Parents should help young athletes prepare to give optimum sports performances by providing healthy and nutritious meals before and after games. Offering high – carbohydrate foods (also called complex carbohydrates) versus high protein and fatty foods two to three hours before a game is very important to maintain the energy needed for them. S o me
e xa mple s
of
h ig h -
carbohydrate foods are pastas, breads and cereal which are digested quicker than high-protein and fatty foods. Unfortunately, we
tend to forget just how important
game, athletes should be allowed to
nutrition is to good health and ath-
take fluid breaks when needed to
letic performance.
maintain their best and safest per-
Fruit is actually an excellent
formance, and of course, caffein-
source of complex carbohydrates
ated and carbonated beverages
and fluids and can be eaten one to
are not recommended.
two hours before a sporting event.
Keep kids' fuel tanks filled
Parents should have their children
with healthy meals; provide healthy
try raw, dried and canned fruits or
snacks before and after exercise.
fruit juice before a game. Fluids are
Pack high-carbohydrate, moderate
extremely important, before, during
protein, low-fat snacks such as gra-
and after a game and staying hy-
nola bars, energy bars, pretzels, trail
drated makes for a better perform-
mix, fruit, peanut butter and crack-
ance. For elementary and middle-
ers, bagels, and fluids. A healthy life-
school aged children, eight ounces
style is all about making healthy
of water before, during and after
choices...Get your kids energized!
the sporting event is extremely im-
Meet active kids' energy needs
portant, especially if the outdoor
through foods and fluids.
temperatures are high. During a
We have had numerous families join our programs because they heard from a friend or neighbor about the happenings here at the Community Center. Being an employee of Parks and Recreation for 9 years I have seen the connection with families and friends that join us. It is important to establish those relationships with each other for ourselves and for our children. We have planned and prepared a variety of activities for your child to participate in with friends, or make new friends. While they are socializing that provides you time to workout, take a class, or socialize with a friend or make a new one. We have also planned activities you could do as a family. See you soon!
Scrabble Club Ages 6-12 Fridays
Social Activities For Families:
Now-11/15
Fall Community Yard Sale
7p-8p
Saturday October 19th
Pirate and Princess Pizza Party
8a-1p
Ages 6-10 Saturday
Trunk or Treat
10/26
Thursday
2p-4p
October 31st 5:30p-7:30p
Sign Language for Kids Saturdays Ages 6-12 11/2-12/21 11a-12p
We have become a generation of on the go people. It is very important to keep our children active, and involved. Whether it is a sport or social activity. The additional skills help to create and develop a well rounded individual and helps them master their gifts and skills. It benefits the children and ourselves to develop some form of routine so that everyone knows what is going to be happening, and the plan for emergencies or changes with the routine. It helps keep things running smoothly if you have family meetings to discuss the routine, activities, plans and expectations. The children need to be involved in this process so that they know what to expect and what you expect from them. Suggestions: Family meeting once
a week–
It is always fun to talk to children and hear their perspective and thoughts about day to day activities or happenings. We ask a group of Mrs. Shuemaker’s students on the current season– Is it called Fall or Autumn? They a few of the said fall and surprisingly most of them said Autumn; which is typically not a word used by most children in response to the season. Considering they relate it to the falling leaves. We asked them to share with us some of their reasons why they like the Autumn season.
going over the upcoming schedule of events and happenings
Also discuss your expectations of your child for the week Examples–
Discuss who is picking up and dropping off for each activity or appointment
Lay out school clothes and any equipment needed for the next days activities the night before
Have the schedule written out and placed in a prominent location for those involved can refer back to it
Help with packing lunches and snacks
Be sure your child’s teachers, Extended Care leaders, neighbors or friends are aware of any events that involves them in getting your child to and from their activity
Understanding that things do change and what you expect from them when it does happen.
Discuss plan of action in the event something changes or someone else will be doing the pick up
Here are their responses; Seble- “I love to jump into the leaves after they have been raked into a big pile”. Eli- “ I like to say the word Halloween” Peyton– “ My birthday is in the fall that is why it is my favorite season”.
Myles– “Dressing up for Halloween and jumping into the leaves in our costumes”. Jordan- “ The changing colors of the leaves-they are so pretty”. Thank you– Seble, Eli, Peyton, Myles, and Jordan for sharing.
Extended Care FAQ’s What is Extended Care? Extended Care is a licensed program regulated by the State of Virginia Department of Social Services. It is open to Manassas Park residents whose children attend either Cougar Elementary or Manassas Park Elementary. We provide before and after school care, drop-in care, full-day care on some holidays and teacher workdays, as well as summer care. (K-5) What information do I need to get my child enrolled in the Extended Care Program? You will need a completed registration form, your child’s most recent physical, immunization record and a copy of their birth certificate. You will also need to attend a brief orientation. How much is Extended Care? Tuition is due on a bi-weekly schedule. Annual Registration Fee- $55 Before School Care- $95 After School Care- $145 Before & After School Care- $195 Full Service Days- Included Summer Care $260 Is there a discount for having more than 1 child in the program? 1st childNormal rates apply. 2nd child- 15% discount. 3rd child- 20% discount. (Does not include punch card or AlL Access Membership) What do the kids do in Extended Care? The children participate in a variety of activities including crafts, gym time, outdoor play, swimming and organized play. The curriculum emphasizes recreation with creative programs and materials that encourage and invite participation. The ac-
tivities allow the children to learn; choosing independent activities or participating in group activities that are fun, safe, and challenging. What are the programs hours? Morning Care is from 6 am- 7:15 am. Afternoon Care is from 3:10 pm-7:00 pm. Full Service Days are from 6 am-7 pm. What is a punch card? Punch cards are for parents that need Extended Care on a limited basis. You may purchase an 8, 12, or 16 punch pass for before or after school care. This allows you to bring your child on days of your choosing if it is not suitable to utilize full-time care. What if I want my child to participate in other programs you offer at the Community Center? i.e. swim lessons, karate, biddy ball etc. We highly encourage this. We simply ask that you provide your child’s Leader with a written schedule of their lessons days dates and times. We will be responsible for getting your child changed, to their lesson, and back as long as it is within the Extended Care Program’s hours. My child is going to Kindergarten; can they attend Summer Extended Care? Unfortunately your child needs to have completed Kindergarten in order to attend Summer Extended Care. We only accept rising Kindergartners for Fall Extended Care. However, the Community Center does offer preschool camps.
Upcoming Events Reminders Swimming every Friday at MPCC Pool Monday, November 4th & Tuesday, November 5thFull Service Day Please be sure to pack a lunch for your child. Wednesday, November 6th Early Dismissal day for conferences; Extended Care Staff will be at the schools for dismissal. Monday, November 11th NO Extended Care due to Veterans Day Wednesday, November 27th Full Service Day Please be sure to pack a lunch for your child. Thursday, November 28th & Friday, November 29th NO Extended Care due to Thanksgiving Break Have a safe holiday!